Elite Traveler January-February 2019

THE PENINSULACHICAGO CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA

Bringing East Asian hospitality to the heart of the Midwest, the Peninsula Chicago sits right off the Magnificent Mile, steps away from luxury shopping and Michelin-starred dining. A $37m restoration in 2016 welcomed a redesign of the hotel’s 330 suites, including a technology upgrade with every desire accessible via iPad and bedside remotes. A dreamy neutral color palette and Asian motifs throughout the hotel honor its heritage, as does the friendly staff. The 1930s-inspired Shanghai Terrace restaurant is not to be missed (particularly chef de cuisine Elmo Han’s fresh-steamed dim sum), nor are the inventive cocktails garnished with flowers. Top suite The Peninsula Suite from $10,000 per night Gourmet dining The Peninsula can book you a coveted reservation at one of the city’s 22 Michelin-starred restaurants. Contact John Stack, director of sales, johnstack@ peninsula.com, +1 312 573 6602, peninsula.com

THE PENINSULANEWYORK NEWYORK, NEWYORK, USA

Housed in a landmark building dating back to 1905, the Peninsula New York is a lavish slice of the historic city. Modern furnishings and cream-colored interiors complement the Beaux-Arts and Italian Renaissance-style facade, uniting the past and present. The hotel’s prime location on Fifth Avenue provides you with close proximity to Central Park, luxury shopping (Wempe is on its ground floor) and the heart of Broadway. Glistening vistas of the city await, especially from the rooftop bar, Salon de Ning. Top suite The Peninsula Suite from $28,000 per night Spa sanctuary Revitalize from jet lag or a day’s worth of exploring with the NYC Most Indulgent Facial, a bespoke 90-minute treatment developed by Medical Beauty Research. The serum has a synthetic oxygen carrier that helps rejuvenate cell metabolism and instantly makes your face feel fresh, young and bright. Contact Keila Bisono, reservations manager, keilabisono@ peninsula.com, +1 212 903 3910, peninsula.com

THE PLAZA NEWYORK, NEWYORK, USA

The Plaza is the only hotel in New York that’s a National Historic Landmark — and since its inception in 1907, it has embodied New York luxury. From the glass-ceilinged Palm Court (where The Great Gatsby ’s climactic scene was set) to the lavish Rose Club (Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Billie Holiday have performed here), every corner has a story to tell. Each room has been restored over the years — the most opulent stay is the Royal Suite with a flush of neutral colors, detailed crown molding and gold chandeliers in almost every room. It’s grand enough to entertain a family of six or host a dinner for 12. Top suite Royal Suite from $50,000 per night Child’s play Children can live out the Eloise at the Plaza dream by staying in The Eloise Suite — every inch of the room is decorated in pink floral prints and Eloise- themed decor. Contact David Rubianes, concierge, plazareservation@ fairmont.com, +1 866 940 9361, theplazany.com

POST RANCH INN BIG SUR, CALIFORNIA, USA

High on a mountain overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this resort has eight types of rooms, some with suspended decks facing the sea, while some are tree houses hoisted on stilts 12 ft above the ground. Each is inspired by the local flora (such as the redwood trees) and fauna, and seamlessly blends with the region’s natural splendor rather than concealing it. The Post House has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Big Sur coastline, as well as an exclusive, expansive living room, private hot tub and glorious deck with loungers (you might spot a whale breaching from afar). Top suite Post House from $4,350 per night Spa sanctuary There’s a strong emphasis on wellness at Post Ranch — a Shaman Session utilizes ancient wisdom to restore mental and emotional balance. The shaman will help you find your power animal, align your energy with your ideal destiny, and clear you of negative energy. Contact Liz Parker, reservations manager, reservations@postranchinn.com, +1 831 667 7919, postranchinn.com